Brown leaves on crutches

Running back Ronnie Brown left Dolphin Stadium on crutches Sunday afternoon after he injured his right knee in the third quarter of Miami's 49-28 loss to New England.

Brown was hurt while chasing Randall Gay on an interception return. He said X-rays taken at the stadium were negative, but he was placed in an air cast and will undergo an MRI today to learn more.

"I tried to plant, and it twisted up a little bit," said Brown, who leads the Dolphins with 991 total yards. "Right now, I'm just hoping it's nothing too serious. I guess I'll find out."

The injury cost Brown the chance to tie the franchise record of five consecutive games with at least 100 rushing yards, set by Ricky Williams in 2002. Brown finished with 76 rushing yards on 17 carries and 33 yards on five catches.

GROUND GAME GOING

Jesse Chatman replaced Brown and had seven carries for 73 yards and one touchdown. He caught one pass for 9 yards. Chatman's rushing total was the second-highest of his career, trailing only his 103-yard effort for the Chargers in 2004.

Second-year player Patrick Cobbs also got involved, carrying three times for 14 yards and his first NFL touchdown. Cobbs spiked the ball after scoring, and former Dolphins receiver O.J. McDuffie, who sits in the end zone, caught it.

The 179 rushing yards were the most the franchise has gained since Nov. 23 last year, when it rushed for 186 yards in a 27-10 win over Detroit.

HILL INJURES KNEE

Free safety Renaldo Hill, who has started every game going back to last season, seriously injured his right knee in the second quarter and didn't return to the game. He'll also undergo an MRI today.

Courtney Bryan, the only other available safety on the active roster, suffered a quadriceps injury early in the game.

"We'll continue to address our safety issue," said coach Cam Cameron, who has released two safeties - Donovin Darius and LaMont Thompson - the past two weeks.

THOMAS IN CAR ACCIDENT

While leaving the stadium, middle linebacker Zach Thomas and his wife were rear-ended heading northbound on Florida's Turnpike in Hollywood.

According to Florida Highway Patrol spokesman Lt. Roger Reyes, the driver of a Dodge pickup was cited for failure to use due care after his vehicle hit the Thomas' 2007 Mercedes, which Maritza Thomas was driving in stop-and-go traffic.

Reyes said no injuries were reported. The Thomas' Mercedes had to be towed from the accident.

GREEN'S NEW ROLE

Injured quarterback Trent Green has been forced into a new role after he was placed on injured reserve, ending his season.

Green is now a de facto assistant coach, and the veteran worked with quarterbacks Cleo Lemon and John Beck going over snapshots of the game while on the sideline.

Cameron admitted Green objected to go on IR.

"We had a series of conversations," he said. "By the time we came to the decision it wasn't a real shock. [Green] knows this business."

TAYLOR SETS RECORDS

Defensive end Jason Taylor set an NFL record on Sunday when he picked off Patriots backup quarterback Matt Cassel early in the fourth quarter and returned it 36 yards for a touchdown.

It was Taylor's eighth touchdown in his 11-year career, which is the most among NFL defensive linemen who entered the league after 1970.

Taylor surpassed former Giants lineman George Martin, who had seven TDs (1975-88).

It was Taylor's seventh interception, moving him past Kim Bokamper into first place for most career interceptions among Dolphins defensive linemen. Safety Jake Scot t holds the team record for the most interceptions with 35 (1970-75).

Staff Writer Jake Simpson contributed to this report. Omar Kelly can be reached at okelly@sun-sentinel.com